Embassy of the United States

Federal Benefits

Social Security Numbers

Social Security numbers are issued only to United States citizens, legally admitted resident aliens (green card holders), and to those required to have a number by Federal law. Immigrating aliens generally secure a number after admission to the U.S.

To secure a Social Security number, an Application Form SS-5 must be completed. A passport or green card and a certified copy of a birth record established before age 5 must be presented. Cards should usually be received from the Social Security Administration in Baltimore within three to six months of completing the application process.

Parents filing an application for a child’s number are required to provide their own Social Security numbers if they have one. The parent signing the applications must also provide identification such as their passport or green card.

All first time applicants aged 12 years and over are required to appear at the Embassy in person for a face-to-face interview. Individuals born in the U.S. and over 12 years of age who are applying for an original Social Security card must document their residence outside the U.S. by submitting school records, employment records and travel documents. A statement from the Office of Vital Records (Folkeregisteret) specifying all periods of residence in the foreign country will be acceptable. The Social Security Administration is required to verify the birth certificate presented in evidence with the registrar of the state of birth. This delays issuance of cards for six months or more.

Non-resident aliens requiring a number for purposes of filing a U.S. tax return must file a Form W-7 Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) with the Internal Revenue Service.

Individual states may require a Social Security number for record-keeping purposes. Aliens may not have a Social Security number issued for these purposes unless required by Federal law.

Aliens not otherwise entitled to a number and planning on attending school in the United States may be asked for a Social Security number by the school. This is for record keeping purposes and is not authorized by Federal law. The school should be asked to assign its own internal number.

If a Social Security number is required to conduct business with a U.S. bank or financial institution and Federal law does not otherwise allow the issuance of a number, ask the Internal Revenue Service for a Form W-8 -  Certificate of Foreign Status.

Work/study in the U.S.
If you have obtained a U.S. Visa that allows you to study/work in the U.S. you must apply for a Social Security Card after you enter the U.S. You may apply at the nearest Social Security Office. You can obtain the address of the nearest Social Security Office at http://socialsecurity.gov

How to correct the address on the Social Security Benefit Statements
Until you actually apply for benefit payments, we do not keep your current address on record at the Social Security Administration. When we mail your automatic Social Security Statement to you, we use the address provided to us by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Your address will be automatically updated when you file your next U.S. Tax Return or you can correct the address that IRS has on file by completing Form 8822 and mailing it to IRS under the heading "Find A Social Security Office".